In which area is the coffee machine at your workplace? Where is the cafeteria? The bathrooms?
Could you answer all the three above questions? Good. Now answer this one last question for me: where is the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) located?

If your answer was 'I don't know', let me try to make it easier for you - have you seen an AED at the airport in your city? At the mall you regularly frequent? The school your child attends? Do you know what an AED is and what does it looks like?

Yes, I realize, you are not a medical practitioner and so feel it is unfair of me to ask this. But you see, an AED is not a device made for Intensive Care Unit doctors like me... it is specially designed for regular people of society like you. It is for you... and you need to know not just where it is located and what it looks like but also how easy it is to use.

What is an AED?

You may have seen slapstick sequences in movies where the protagonist uses electric shocks to jolt a lifeless person back to life. Funny? Yes, unless it is a real-life scenario and the person whose heart is not beating is your near and dear one.

In real life, when a person collapses due to a sudden cardiac arrest and has no palpable pulse may be having an abnormal heart rhythm (an arrhythmia) that messes with the heart's ability to deliver blood effectively and it can be fatal, if not corrected rapidly within 5-8 mins. Remember, there is no oxygen that is being supplied to the brain and other parts of the body during this period, hence corrective measures have to be swung into action immediately.

An AED is a wonderful device that will literally tell you every step you need to take to save a life.  It then delivers an electrical shock to stop this arrhythmia and set the heart rhythm back to normal, similar to your computer's CTRL-ALT-DEL function.

Image Source: Here

Why do we need more AEDs in India?

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains the leading cause of deaths in the world, the tragic numbers being more than that of deaths due to the top three cancers, motor vehicular accidents and suicides all combined. In India, we fare far worse statistically, our sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits combining with increased stress levels.



The numbers? An estimated 7 lakh people are dying of SCA every year! Now, think of what I told you earlier - you can save them. Not me, as a doctor in a hospital far away, but you as a person, as a bystander, who witnesses them collapse suddenly.

A cardiac arrest can occur at any time, anywhere to anyone.

Yes, prevention of heart disease and lifestyle modifications should be the primary goal but what happens when a cardiac arrest occurs? 

What do you do? Is it enough to gather around the person or else search for the nearest hospital at a time when every second counts? A person whose heart has stopped can be saved if you can revive him/her within the first 5 - 7 minutes after a witnessed collapse. It is potentially fatal to just wait for an ambulance to arrive or get to a hospital.


Awareness of two things is of the essence when it comes to restarting the heart.

1. The first is to start early chest compressions. The goal of effective compressions is to ensure blood continues to reach the brain and vital organs. As part of public awareness, I have spoken about chest compressions in detail here. 
2. The second is knowing where your AED is located and how to use it once it arrives.

Chest Compressions and an AED can help restart a heart

How to use an AED

While your compressions help buy time, the definitive treatment for an SCA is defibrillation.

AEDs like the Philips HeartStart FRx and the Philips Heartstart Onsite are ready to use out of the box. They are designed to help you even if you have never seen the device before.

Image: HeartStart FRx

Just  grab the nearest AED, get it near the collapsed victim, and switch it on.

1. Audio-visual prompts start interacting with you the moment you switch on the AED. 
2. The device will actually speak to you in a calm voice, guiding you on what to do next. 
3. Flashing icons on the device are there too so that in this distressing scenario, even if you cannot hear or understand the verbal command, you can just 'follow the lights'.

Special Scenarios: What about for Children and Infants?

Yes, children and infants too can have an SCA. In these scenarios, the Philips AEDs immediately recognizes when you switch to the pediatric cartridge (in Onsite) or insert the infant key (in FRx) and automatically adjusts the verbal instructions as well as the shock energy it delivers to the small child.



Do you now understand how magical a device an AED is? This is a device meant for an ordinary person in an extraordinary moment... a device meant for you. This is why it is so essential to have these in a country like India where SCAs are above the global statistical average, not just at the workplace but also in key public regions like residential societies, metro & railway stations, schools, sports academies, gyms, parks, malls etc.



I leave you once more with the same question I started this conversation with - do you know where the nearest AED is located? Do you have one near you?

Find out. And if you can't identify one around you, ask the appropriate authorities to procure an AED. Because at the end of the day, when you cannot reach a doctor in time, this is the only device that can help you save a life when a heart stops beating.

Read this image, save/Pin it and share it so that when the time comes, you can save a life without wasting a single precious moment.

Authors note:

Of all the companies worldwide, Philips AEDs are currently the gold standard, accounting for 9 out of 10 major airline companies, 87 % of all Fortune 500 companies as well as having laurels such as the first US in-flight AED save, the 1st AED for children, the first biphasic AED and the only over-the-counter AED.

To know more about Philips AEDs, please call tollfree at 1800 419 8844

Ryan Neighbor suffers from spina bifida, a condition of the spinal cord that has left her unable to walk since birth and hence dependent on a wheelchair. The 10 year old attends school at Tully Elementary and is in fourth grade.

Image Source: Team Ryan

When the class was preparing for a field trip to the Falls of Ohio State Park a week ago, Ryan was naturally sad not to be able to go with her friends but accepted that it came under the list of things that were not possible for her in this lifetime because of her condition. Even her mother Shelly knew this and so began planning for alternate things to keep Ryan busy on that day.

Fortunately for Ryan, her elementary school teacher Jim Freeman was one of those people who had skipped class on the day they were teaching the meaning of the word 'impossible.' Jim contacted Ryan's mother and told her that to help Ryan join her classmates, he was ready to carry her on his back for the entire trip!

And he did!

Image Source: Team Ryan

Image Source: Team Ryan

Jim Freeman used a special backpack to carry Ryan Neighbor, who weighs 25 kilos, on his back throughout the field trip across the Ohio State Park.

I was pleasantly surprised when I sat down for dinner recently at a restaurant in Kochi and was served this as an amuse bouche. Take a good look at these images and tell me what you think it could be.


(No. This isn't a witch's pot being used to make magic potion. And yes, that is a dense nearly opaque smoke emanating from the serving dish!)

What is an Amuse Bouche?

My question to you - tell me one random restaurant you would recommend in the city you are in right now and why? 

Authors note 

I am linking this post with Esha and Natasha for #WordlessWednesday. You can find more picture based posts there and add your own too. 

Earlier posts I have written for Wordless Wednesday include:

01. Kerala Meals (Food)

02. Have You Ever Had Pain During Surgery? (Medical)
03. Beautiful Desserts (Food)
04. A Dish I did not Expect to Like (Food)
05. What Show is this Dog Watching?! (Pets)

06. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (Pets)
07. Pavlov's Classical Conditioning (Philosophy)
08. What if Gods were just Advanced Aliens? (Religion)

09. What Really Darkens a Room? (Racism)
10. Doggy Desktop (Pets)

11. What is Your Favourite Coffee (Food)

12. 2 milliliters (Medicine)

13. What is an Amuse Bouche (Food)

I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.

 Factors to Consider While Buying A Mattress  

1.  Time Matters  

2.  Size Matters 

3.  Mattress Type 

• If you want a bouncy and springy feeling, then you can opt for the traditional pocket sprung mattress. 
• If you don’t like them too springy, then you can buy a memory foam mattress as these are relatively stable. It adjusts to the shape of your body, meaning you won’t get disturbed at night by the mobility of your partner. 
• If you are looking for a balance of both springiness and molding, then lets mattress is best for you. This is relatively more durable. There are several other options, but all involve different proportions of only these three types. 

 4. Sleep Style 

• If you are a side sleeper, the springy pocket sprung mattress will suit you best. 
• If you are front sleeper then you will need a more supporting mattress like a memory foam mattress. 
• If you sleep on your back, you can opt for any of the mattresses. 

Authors note:

The theme of the 2019 World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’. 

In the past, I have spoken about Suicide Prevention from multiple points of view, including what you need to do if you feel the urge to give up on life as well as what you as a friend can do if you feel someone else is considering ending their life.

In most of these cases, the final straw that breaks the metaphorical camel's back is not an acute event. A sense of helplessness and loneliness has been persisting for awhile. We can see the symptoms in their behavioural changes and even social media status updates if we only choose to really look for it.

Ironically, that need for closer scrutiny of what is hinted at holds true for you - the person considering harming yourself - as well. I know you feel alone and think there is no future for you... but I promise you you are wrong. There are people who do care for you. They do cherish their times with you.


They do cherish you even today.

Yes, maybe the person who you so strongly desire to hear those words from is no longer a part of your life. But in seeking to hear it from them only and considering yourself alone when you do not receive it, you are mistaken.

Do the others not say the words 'I love you' or 'I am happy you are in my life?' Perhaps not. May be we do not say the words out loud - again, that is our fault, not yours - but we do mean it. You need to realize just this much - that there are many ways we say 'I love you' without saying 'I love you'.

There are literally hundreds of subtle ways people around you are showing you even today that you matter to them. That they enjoy having you in their lives.

See if you recognize them.

Compromising because they care for you. 

01. Here is the remote. What do you want to watch?
02. I left the last piece of cake for you.
03. You choose.
04. Can we put this behind us?
05. I am sorry for what I did.
06. I am sorry I forgot.
07. I did not mean to hurt you.
08. Can you forgive me?
09. Can we talk?
10. I am heading out. Do you need me to get you anything?
11. Do you want me to come over?
12. I just messaged to say hey.
13. What do you wanna do this weekend?
14. Wassup?

Standing by you 

15. There is food in the fridge.
16. This song reminded me of you.
17. This dress looks good on you.
18. I heard what happened.
19. Do you want something for that?
20. Drive safely.
21. Message me when you reach.
22. Take care.
23. Good luck.
24. Be careful.
25. Get some rest.
26. I know it sucks but just hang in there.
27. I agree. Your boss/in law/ spouse/ friend is a jerk.

You Are on Their Mind

28. How is your family?
29. Did you eat?
30. How was work?
31. How was college?
32. Do you remember that time we...
33. Do you want to talk?
34. I am worried about you.
35. It has been awhile. Just wanted to see how you were doing.
36. I am here if you need me.
37. I will finish up here. You take some rest.
38. Just wanted to see you.
39. I need your opinion on what to wear.
40. How was your day?
41. Good morning.
42. Hey.

Making Time for You 

43. Wanna meet up?
44. Wanna catch a movie?
45. Wanna grab lunch?
46. I am coming over.
47. Let us bunk this class and head out.
48. My Treat.
49. Let us plan a trip together.
50. If you are in town, do let me know. Will try to catch up.
51. I can't make it today... but I am all yours tomorrow after 10.

Directly Telling You You Matter to Them

52. I am sorry.
53. I trust you.
54. I miss you.
55. I am happy for you.
56. I miss how we used to be.
57. I wish we could spend more time together.
58. I did not mean to hurt you.
59. I love how much effort you put into this.
60. I had a wonderful time.
61. I don't care about your past.
62. I don't care what anyone says about you.
63. You matter to me.
64. I want you in my life.
65. I will see you tomorrow.
66. Thank you.
67. I can't wait to see you again.

Intimate Gestures From Loved Ones 

68. Smiling when you stare at them.
69. Winking at you.
70. Laughing with you.
71. Touches as you pass by each other.
72. Cuddles as you lie together.
73. Hugs.
74. Kisses.
75. Sex.
76. Gifts & Treats - because even the material stuff matters, you know!

Gestures of Love That You Take for Granted

77. The dog that wags its tail every time it sees you.
78. The pet that stays by your side because it chooses to.
79. The parent who serves you a hot cooked meal even when you are not on talking terms.
80. The parent who gushes about your achievements to the world even if they don't tell you directly.
81. The parent who annoys you because s/he worries about you.
82. The teacher who remembers you fondly.
83. The one who likes your status updates.
84. The one who actually goes the extra mile and changes that 'like' into a 'smiley' or 'love' emoji.
85. The friend who asks you if you are having a cold when they hear you cough.
86. The friend who gives you space when you ask for it following a fight but is there when you want to talk again.
87. The friend who calls you regularly to see how you are doing.
88. The friend who shares office gossip with you.
89. The friend who makes sure you get home safely.
90. The friend who values your inputs about movies, books and music.
91. The watchman who smiles when you walk past him.
92. The restaurant owner who greets you by your name.
93. The store owner who remembers you from the days you were a child.
94. Friends who send you jokes and memes because they feels you are cool enough to get the joke.
95. The spouse who gives you their undivided attention even their favourite game/show is on television.
96. The spouse who compromises on their food habits because you insist.
97. The spouse who changes his/her routine to suit your schedule.
98. The child who says your name when asked to choose the parent s/he loves more.
99. The neighbour who smiles in a world where people are denied even that grace.
100. The person you don't even know aspires to write like you, sing like you, be thin like you.

The above list may sound silly today but take a moment and think about it. Do you know how many people would yearn to read these words or hear this said out loud to them? Yes, even a simple 'Hey' or ''Sup' can literally be the difference between life and death, letting someone feeling alone know that they are remembered.

A lot goes into stopping an act of self harm. Helping someone contemplating suicide recognize small subtle gestures of love are all around them is one of the simplest yet most powerful way to end the cycle of loneliness that is eating them up from within.



If that is you today, know this. Perhaps the one you are seeking love from is not giving it you. But take a moment and look around you and you'll see that love is all around you.

People may not say it aloud but they enjoy your company. Whatever has driven you to this point is not all that you are. You are more than the worst thing that has happened to you.

Take care.
I will see you tomorrow.